Method, apparatus and processes for real-time interactive online ordering and re-ordering and over the counter purchasing with rebate, saving, and investing processes

ABSTRACT

The Invention encompasses a system comprising a novel Volume Purchase Rebate Business Method, Volume Purchase Rebate Appliance sub-system, Volume Purchase Rebate Online-Interactive Showroom sub-system, Volume Purchase Rebate Online-Interactive Showcase sub-system, Volume Purchase Rebate Online-Interactive SalesPerson sub-system and Online-Interactive Ordering or Online-Interactive Re-Ordering sub-systems, and methods and processes for purchasing or volume purchasing or excess inventory purchasing or excess capacity purchasing for a plurality of purchasers who are in fact group purchasing yet purchasing individually from merchants for goods, products and services and obtaining and investing rebates while purchasing over the counter or real-time interactive online direct ordering and automatic re-ordering of said goods and services.

This is a Divisional Application of application Ser. No. 09/339,059 andI hereby claim the priority benefit of application Ser. No. 09/339,059which further claim the benefit of provisional applications 60/090,698,filed Jun. 24, 1998, and 60/3033,532, filed May 10, 1999, andapplication Ser. No. 09/190,152 filed application Nov. 11, 1997. Thisinvention relates to a system comprising a novel Volume Purchase RebateBusiness Method, Volume Purchase Rebate Appliance sub-system, VolumePurchase Rebate Online-Interactive Showroom sub-system, Volume PurchaseRebate Online-Interactive SalesPerson sub-system and Online-InteractiveOrdering or Online-Interactive Re-Ordering sub-system and methods andprocesses for operating this system. The system is used for purchasingor volume purchasing or excess inventory purchasing or excess capacitypurchasing for a plurality of purchasers who are in fact grouppurchasing yet purchasing individually from merchants for goods,products or services and who obtain rebates which are invested. Thesystem is further used while real-time interactive online directordering and automatic re-ordering of said goods or services by way ofreal-time interactive online transactions in showrooms (CyberShowRooms)and showcases (CyberShowCases) and while directly communicating with theservicing salesperson (CyberSalesPersons). The present invention alsoencompasses means for interfacing with wholesaler warehousing anddistribution systems. The purpose for the present invention is to bringforth a means for an extremely unique purchasing experience wherebyindividual consumers and individual merchants can purchase all types ofgoods and services and take advantage of the savings brought about byvolume purchasing of these goods, products and services. It is furtherenvisioned that the savings realized by volume purchasing will be placedin consumer's retirement investing accounts thereby giving the consumeradded funds for retirement and other purposes. The present inventionsolves these problems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

Rebates, Saving and Investing:

The Need For Action. American workers generally need three elements toensure financial security in retirement: (1) Social Security; (2) anemployer-provided pension plan; and (3) personal retirement savings.Currently, Social Security is the sole sthece of income for 18 percentof all elderly Americans, and the primary sthece for two-thirds of allsenior citizens. For over five years, the President has worked withCongress to expand pension coverage, make pensions more secure, andsimplify pension plan administration. Despite these achievements, thepersonal savings rate among Americans remains too low, and many workersdo not have pension coverage through their employers. Research showsthat:

More than 50 million employees—half of All-American workers, are notcovered by a pension plan;

Only 305 percent of private sector workers under age 25 are covered by apension plan;

Only 21 percent of private sector workers earning under $305,000 a yearare covered by a pension plan;

Only 24 percent of full-time workers in firms with fewer than 100employees are covered by a pension plan

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

I could find no prior art relating to a system comprising a novel VolumePurchase Rebate Business Method, Volume Purchase Rebate Appliancesub-system, Volume Purchase Rebate Online-Interactive Showroomsub-system, Volume Purchase Rebate Online-Interactive Showcasesub-system, and Volume Purchase Rebate Online-Interactive SalesPersonsub-system and Online-Interactive Ordering or Online-InteractiveRe-Ordering sub-system methods and processes for operating this system.Nor, could I find prior art for purchasing or volume purchasing orexcess inventory purchasing or excess capacity purchasing for aplurality of purchasers who are in fact group purchasing yet purchasingindividually from merchants for goods, products or services and whoobtain rebates which are invested while real-time interactive onlinedirect ordering and automatic re-ordering of said goods or services byway of real-time interactive online showrooms (CyberShowRooms) andshowcases (CyberShowCases) and directly communicating with the servicingsalesperson (CyberSalesPersons)

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Invention encompasses technology that relates to a system comprisinga novel Volume Purchase Rebate Business Method, Volume Purchase RebateAppliance sub-system , Volume Purchase Rebate Online-InteractiveShowroom sub-system, Volume Purchase Rebate Online-Interactive Showcasesub-system, Volume Purchase Rebate Online-Interactive SalesPersonsub-system and Online-Interactive Ordering or Online-InteractiveRe-Ordering sub-system and methods and processes for operating thissystem. The system will greatly facilitate the sale of goods andservices while providing customers with a means to painlessly fundingtheir Individual Retirement Accounts. While doing so, the presentinvention provides a novel volume purchasing and rebate business methodsub-system having a volume purchasing rebate that addresses apurchaser's long term need to provide for his retirement security. Inaccordance with the principles of the present invention, a volumepurchasing and rebate system is disclosed in which a monetary volumepurchasing rebate for volume purchasing or purchasing of excessinventory and capacity is transferred to the purchaser's retirementaccount. The volume purchasing and rebate system of the presentinvention thereby provides the purchaser with volume purchasing rebatefor volume purchasing goods and services and purchasing excess inventoryand capacity that addresses the purchaser's long-term need of providingfor his retirement security.

It is another primary object of the present invention to providetechnology that will greatly facilitate the volume purchase and sale ofgoods and services and to provide a means for real-time interactiveonline ordering and the re-ordering of said goods and services whilealso providing customers with a means to painlessly fund theirIndividual Retirement Accounts.

The present invention also provides a method for purchasing goods,products or services and obtain and invest rebates using a plurality ofpurchasers who have an option of volume purchasing and obtaining rebatesand/or purchasing excess inventory and obtaining rebates. This optionderives from many factors to include, consultation with the CertifiedPurchasing Planner (CPP), or as a result of a decision based uponresearching volume purchasing and excess inventory or capacitypurchasing opportunities and options with the ordering or controlmonitoring unit and the purchasing facilitation systems unit (VPRAppliance or On-site Computer) of the present invention. Volumepurchasing or excess inventory or capacity purchasing opportunities andoptions can also be downloaded to the purchaser based upon thepurchasers past purchasing trends and desires. The reordering reader orthe opening station can be used for reordering of goods, products orservices Purchasers will use various purchasing cards to include VPRcredit cards, VPR debit cards, VPR smart cards or any other type cardsuitable for present invention purchasing. Input devices such as cardreader, and terminal, interfacing with the VPR Appliance or On-siteComputer, which can allow said VPR credit cards, VPR debit cards, VPRsmart cards or any other type card pay for the selected goods, productsor service and facilitate rebates for the purchasers investment account.

Another segment of the present invention brings forth a means for theVPR Appliance or On-site Computer generally to interfaces withShowRooms, ShowCases containing or Salespersons systems and using remotemeans to for the VPR Appliance or On-site Computer to controlclosed-circuit television purchasing systems using either cameras in afixed location or cameras that are mounted for movement along a track,dome or stand to provide automatic acquisition of a product object inresponse to an command signal or the like.

The present invention also includes methods of simulating the motion ofreal-time shopping through the VPR Appliance or On-site Computercontrolling the use of pan, tilt and zoom cameras, which enhance productpresentation through motion etc. In the case of an operator-attendedpurchasing system, the human operator may attempt to respond to thecommand signal by operating system controls to reposition the cameracarriage and to adjust the camera direction, etc. so that an image ofthe product is obtained.

The present invention also includes means and methods wherebyshoppers/buyers use the VPR Appliance or On-site Computer to virtuallyshop at regional as well as international establishments without leavingthe comfort of their homes and businesses. However, purchased productsare pre-positioned at strategic locations to speed up delivery to thepurchaser etc.

This segment of the present invention also interfaces with the VPRAppliance or On-site Computer and relates to a new and improvedmerchant's CyberShowCase which has for its principal purpose to providea moving and adjustable CCTV system for motorized revolving platform andhanger systems on which the product to be pictured rests and also for amulti-colored backdrop system which is positioned behind the product inthe line of sight of the camera. The multi-colored backdrop ispreferably illuminated from behind with rear view projection or from thefront with either a white light or a light having appropriate colorfilter. The projectioned or multi-colored backdrop provides a widevariety of scenes as background for the product being photographed.

This apparatus also encompasses means and methods of giving thepresented product motion through the use of pan-tilt-zoom cameras andmoving platforms and racks located in the CyberShowCase. Not only dothese devices provide motion, but they also present multiple viewingangles to make product presentation more appealing.

The CyberShowCase may be used either as a stationary or mobile showcase.Accordingly, it is a principal product of the present invention toprovide an equipment bay on wheels, which contains the equipment andsystems to facilitate CCTV production.

Another feature of the Cybershowcase is the fact it is readilytransportable, easily adjustable in many different positions andadaptable to a wide variety of conditions to photography products.

The present invention further encompasses means and methods ofsimulating the shopper actually being in the showroom with a salespersonknown as a CyberSalesPerson showing the product. The CyberSalesPerson isequipped with the means to effectively communicate (audio and video)online real-time with the shopper (retail customer) or buyer (wholesalecustomer) being serviced. These systems interface with the VPR Applianceor On-site Computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Illustrates the modular structure of the Real-time interactiveonline product and services ordering and re-ordering system.

FIG. 2 Illustrates the Real-time interactive online Volume PurchaseRebate Appliance.

FIG. 3 Illustrates Online Buyer's and Seller's (CyberSalesPerson)Sub-Systems.

FIG. 4 Illustrates the Real-time interactive online product and servicesre-ordering sub-systems.

FIG. 5 Illustrates a systems diagram showing the Real-time interactiveonline product and services ordering re-ordering sub-systems and VPRAppliance or On-site Computer, which are located in Homes.

FIG. 6 Illustrates a systems diagram showing the Merchant Real-timeinteractive online product and services ordering re-ordering sub-systemsand VPR Appliance or On-site Computer, which are located in CommercialBuildings.

FIG. 7 Illustrates a systems diagram showing a home and commercialbuilding with the Real-time interactive online product and servicesordering and re-ordering System, VPR Appliance or On-site Computerpayment card and terminal.

FIG. 8 Illustrates the Real-time interactive online, over-the-counterpurchasing systems network diagram.

FIG. 9 Illustrates the WorldWholesaler Concept for Merchant Buyers.

FIG. 10 Illustrates the WorldMall Concept for Individual Shoppers.

FIG. 11 Illustrates a Top View of the CyberShowRoom Concept.

FIG. 12 Illustrates an End View of the CyberShowRoom Concept.

FIG. 13 Illustrates the Remote Operated Online Product DemonstrationSystem (CyberShowCase) Concept Comprising.

FIG. 14. Illustrates Normal Distribution and Mark-Up.

FIG. 15 Illustrates Individual Internet Purchasing and DistributionCycle.

FIG. 16 Illustrates Commercial Purchaser Internet Purchasing andDistribution Cycle

FIG. 17 Illustrates How Mark-Up is Eliminated and Rebates Added.

FIG. 18 Illustrates Over-The-Counter Purchasing and Rebates

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, references will now be made to the embodiment illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Any alteration and further modificationin the described embodiment, and any further applications of theprinciples of the invention as described herein are contemplated aswould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates.

FIG. 1 Illustrates the modular structure of the Real-time interactiveonline product and services ordering and re-ordering sub-system inaccordance with the present invention. The diagram shows a remotere-ordering sub-system 1, a product opening/unsealing station with aordering sub-system 2, with a barcode type reader 2A, and a RF typereader 2B, a monitor 3(touch screen or regular) and a VPR Appliance 100.

FIG. 2 Illustrates the Real-time interactive online Volume PurchaseRebate Appliance; The VPR Appliance 100 or On-site Computer 3A consistof the main computer/server with recording systems module 102 themonitoring, metering etc., microprocessor and universal bar-code ROMmicroprocessor systems module 104, the control/relay module 105, themicroprocessor bus 106, the computer/server bus 110, the control/relaybus 107, the power bus 108, and the aux. battery 101.

FIG. 3 Illustrates Online Buyer's and Seller's (CyberSalesPerson)Sub-Systems; The Buyers Sub-System includes a product opening/unsealingstation with a ordering sub-system 2, with a barcode type reader 2A, anda RF type reader 2B, a camera system 6 with microphone 6C and videodisplay monitor 3 interfaced with the VPR Appliance 100 or On-siteComputer 3A that communicates 5 & 6A by wireless, online or otherwisewith the Seller Sub-System (which includes various cameras such as; afinger bracket camera 8-8E, eyeglass, cap, beeper etc. covert cameras 9Aand various other camera systems which are mounted on tripods 10, or anyother type stand or mount) the CyberShowCase and the CyberShowRoomsystems. The CyberSalesPerson is also equipped with a R/T capableHeadset 7, that has a microphone 7A, earphones 7B and mini-radio unitw/antenna 7C.

FIG. 4 Illustrates the Real-time interactive online product and servicesre-ordering sub-systems; These sub-systems 1, interface with a VPRAppliance 100 or On-site Computer 3A by way of direct wire 4A, Infraredfrequency signal 4B, RF Signal 4C and Laser Signal 4D to the VPRAppliance or On-site Computer communication bus 4K, whereby signals areprocessed in the communications module 4G.

FIG. 5 Illustrates a systems diagram showing the Real-time interactiveonline product and services ordering re-ordering sub-systems and VPRAppliance or On-site Computer, which are located in Homes; The diagramshows a layout of the system modules with a signal 11A from the VPRAppliance 100 or On-site Computer 3A being transmitted to the Area/LocalVPR Computer 301 which interface with other VPR Appliance 100 or On-siteComputer 3A which further interface with real-time interactive onlineshowrooms (CyberShowRooms) and showcases (CyberShowCases) and withservicing salesperson (CyberSalesPersons) where transactions are madefor purchases of appliances, clothing, groceries and many other types ofconsumer and commercial goods and services. Area/Local Business Ownerscan also advertise other goods or products for Excess InventoryPurchasing and advertise their services here for Excess CapacityPurchasing instead of with costly TV, Yellow Pages etc. The Regional VPRComputer 303 interface with other VPR Appliance 100 or On-site Computer3A which further interface with real-time interactive online showrooms(CyberShowRooms) and showcases (CyberShowCases) and with servicingsalesperson (CyberSalesPersons) where transactions are made forpurchases to include security, fire and carbon monoxide monitoringmonitoring services, telecommunications, natural gas, electricity, fueloil, and other HVAC products and services. Purchase funds are debitedfrom the purchasers account at the VPR System Credit Union 304 withpayment going to the seller's bank 305, and rebates going to thepurchasers investment company 306. The Certified Purchasing Planner 17uses a system computer 17A to monitor and advise the purchaser of thebest means to increase rebates etc.

FIG. 6 Illustrates a systems diagram showing the Merchant Real-timeinteractive online product and services ordering re-ordering sub-systemsand VPR Appliance or On-site Computer, which are located in CommercialBuildings; The diagram shows a layout of the system with a card reader1, and terminal 9, interfacing with the VPR Appliance 100 or On-siteComputer 3A, which can allow the use of VPR credit cards 1B, VPR debitcards 1A, VPR smart cards 1C or any other type card. The signal from theVPR Appliance 100 or On-site Computer 3A being transmitted to theArea/Local VPR Computer 301 which interface with other VPR Appliance 100or On-site Computer 3A which further interface with real-timeinteractive online showrooms (CyberShowRooms) and showcases(CyberShowCases) and with servicing salesperson (CyberSalesPersons)where wholesale transactions are made for purchases of appliances,clothing, groceries and many other types of consumer and commercialgoods and services. Area/Local Business Owners can also advertise othergoods or products for Excess Inventory Purchasing and advertise theirservices here for Excess Capacity Purchasing instead of with costly TV,Yellow Pages etc. The Regional VPR Computer 303 interface with other VPRAppliance 100 or On-site Computer 3A which further interface withreal-time interactive online showrooms (CyberShowRooms) and showcases(CyberShowCases) and with servicing salesperson (CyberSalesPersons)where wholesale transactions are made for purchases include security,fire and carbon monoxide monitoring monitoring services,telecommunications, natural gas, electricity, fuel oil, and other HVACproducts and services. Purchase funds are debited from the purchasersaccount at the VPR System Credit Union 304 with payment going to theseller's bank 305, and rebates going to the purchasers investmentcompany 306. The Certified Purchasing Planner 17 uses a system computer17A to monitor and advise the purchaser of the best means to increaserebates etc.

FIG. 7 Illustrates a systems diagram showing a home and commercialbuilding with the Real-time interactive online product and servicesordering and re-ordering System and VPR Appliance 100 or On-siteComputer 3A; The diagram shows a layout of the system modules located inHomes 11 and Commercial Buildings 18 wherein Purchasers will use variouspurchasing cards to include VPR credit cards 1B, VPR debit cards 1A, VPRsmart cards 1C or any other type card suitable for present inventionpurchasing. Input devices such as card reader 1, and terminal 9,interfacing with the VPR Appliance 100 or On-site Computer 3A, which canallow said VPR credit cards 1B, VPR debit cards 1A, VPR smart cards 1Cor any other type card pay for the selected goods, products or serviceand facilitate rebates for the purchasers investment account. It alsoshows a signal from the VPR Appliance 100 or On-site Computer 3A beingtransmitted to the Area/Local VPR Computer 301 where orders from allover the area are combined and volume purchases are made from localvendors for appliances and gifts 301A, clothing 301B, groceries 301F,autos 301 C, sports and entertainment 301D and many other types ofconsumer and commercial goods and services 301E. Area/Local BusinessOwners can also advertise other goods or products for Excess InventoryPurchasing and advertise their services here for Excess CapacityPurchasing instead of with costly TV, Yellow Pages etc. The Regional VPRComputer 303 facilitates non-local volume purchases. To includesecurity, fire and carbon monoxide monitoring services 303E,telecommunications 303G, natural gas and fuel oil 303B, electricity303A, airline tickets etc. 303D and other products 303C and 303F andservices.

FIG. 8 Illustrates the Real-time interactive online, over-the-counterpurchasing systems network diagram; The diagram shows the product andservices ordering and re-ordering System and VPR Appliance or On-siteComputer, which are located in the home 11 or in a variety ofestablishments that represent the various type businesses (food 20A,housing 20B, apparel 20C, transportation 20D, health care and insurance20E, entertainment and recreation 20F) the government uses for economicindicators. The diagram shows all types of persons that makeOver-The-Counter Volume Purchases 19, who make over the counterpurchases from merchants who have the VPR Appliance 100 or On-siteComputer 3A. The diagram further shows the interface between the VPRAppliance 100 or On-site Computer 3A and network local/area mainframes301 and regional super computers 303. The mainframe 301 and supercomputer 303 contain as much as possible the complete universal barcodedatabase and they constantly monitor and query each other as well as thedatabases of affiliate wholesaler's 303C and manufacturers 303H.

FIG. 9. Illustrates the WorldWholesaler Concept for Merchant Buyers; Thediagram shows countries around the world 26 and the product and servicesordering and re-ordering CyberSalesPerson Sub-System (represented byheadsets) and CyberShowCases or CyberShowRooms (represented by cameras)interfacing with VPR Appliance 100, which are located in a variety ofestablishments that represent wholesaler venues 23, factories 24, smallretail establishments 25, To accomplish this strategy, the VPROrganization will acquire or affiliate with all types of stores, shops,18, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, and other establishments from aroundthe world. The VPR Organization will use these stores, shops, 18, 20A,20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, and establishments as Cyber showrooms etc., andship goods to customers from more centralized warehouses etc.

FIG. 10 Illustrates the WorldMall Concept for Individual Shoppers; Thediagram shows countries around the world and the product and servicesordering and re-ordering CyberSalesPerson Sub-System (represented byheadsets) and CyberShowcases or CyberShowRooms (represented by cameras)interfacing with VPR Appliance 100, which are located in a variety ofestablishments that represent small retail establishments 25, and homeoffice establishments 27. To accomplish this strategy, the VPROrganization will acquire or affiliate with all types of stores, shops,18, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, and other of establishments fromaround the world. The VPR Organization will use these stores, shops, 18,20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, and establishments as CybershowRooms etc.,and ship goods to customers from more centralized warehouses etc.

FIG. 11 Illustrates a Top View of the CyberShowRoom Concept; It showsthe interior of a shop, showroom, or tradeshow booth 28 in which thereis installed a CCTV purchasing system in accordance with the presentinvention. The CCTV purchasing system includes pan, tilt, and zoomcameras that are mounted on a track 28C, or in domes 28B or on a varietyof stands 28F. The pan, tilt, zoom cameras are movably supported on anelongated tracks or rails or in domes which are suspended from theceiling or from the walls of the CyberShowRoom. Signals from the camerasare processed, digitally recorded in the VPR Appliance 100 or On-siteComputer 3A and transmitted as the situation dictates. These camerasallow real-time interactive online viewing of the shop, showroom, ortradeshow booth floor or see inside glass counters 28D and showcases 28Efrom anywhere in the world. The systems brings movement and interactivefunctionality to a web site allow users to see and interact with eachother and to virtually visit and browse through venues worldwide. Inessence, the video systems become proxy eyes and the audio systemsbecome the proxy ears and voices of the clients. Thus, if two of morepeople are a long distance apart and have a need for face to facediscussion, or a need to view information or objects while conductingthe face to face discussion, using the technology will save them a greatdeal of time and money. The systems will be easy to use and relativelylow in cost.

FIG. 12 Illustrates an End View of the CyberShowRoom Concept; It showsan Over-the Counter-Shopper 19 in the interior of a CyberShowroom, ortradeshow booth 28A in which there is installed a CCTV purchasing systemin accordance with the present invention. The CCTV purchasing systemincludes pan, tilt, and zoom cameras that are mounted on a track 28C, orin domes 28B. The pan 28G, tilt 28H, zoom 28I, cameras are movablysupported on an elongated tracks or rails or in domes which aresuspended from the ceiling or from the walls of the CyberShowRoom.Signals from the cameras and from wireless receiving and transmittingdevices such as Buyers and Sellers Sub-Systems are received by thewireless antenna 28J and transmitted from the wireless transmitterantenna 28K whereupon the signals are conveyed to, processed, anddigitally recorded in the VPR Appliance 100 or On-site Computer 3A andtransmitted as the situation dictates. These cameras and other showcasecameras 28M, allow real-time interactive online viewing of the shop,showroom, or tradeshow booth floor or see inside glass counters 28D andshowcases 28E from anywhere in the world. The venue entry and exitdetection beam 29K automatically notify shop personnel when anOver-The-Counter shopper 19 enters or leaves the site and makesadjustments to the VPR Appliance 100 or On-site Computer 3A asappropriate. The systems brings movement and interactive functionalityto a web site allow users to see and interact with each other and tovirtually visit and browse through venues worldwide. In essence, thevideo systems become proxy eyes and the audio systems become the proxyears and voices of the clients. Thus, if two of more people are a longdistance apart and have a need for face to face discussion, or a need toview information or objects while conducting the face to facediscussion, using the technology will save them a great deal of time andmoney. The systems will be easy to use and relatively low in cost.

FIG. 13 Illustrates the Remote Operated Online Product DemonstrationSystem (CyberShowCase) Concept Comprising:

A merchandise display apparatus that allows real-time interactive onlineviewing of objects or information. The apparatus includes means for ashopper to use his/her VPR Appliance 100 or On-site Computer 3A asappropriate and call up the unit, view the merchandise and if desired,get a much better full view of the displayed merchandise by controllingthe motorized revolving hanger rack 29B, the motorized revolvingplatform 29H, cameras 29D, and other components of the unit. Duringnormal operations, the cameras 29D view the merchandise from a positionforwardly of the motorized revolving hanger rack 29B and the motorizedrevolving platform 29H which is above the equipment bay 29I of the unit.Displayed merchandise is illuminated by one or more track mountedfloodlights 29C and adjustable light rails 29F. To the CCTV camera 29D,the displayed merchandise stands out in space, the motorized revolvingplatform 29H and motorized revolving hanger rack 29B being concealed bythe direction from which the product is viewed. When it is desired toposition the camera above the product the lower edge of the backdrop maybe curved forwardly all along the motorized revolving platform 29Hthereby concealing the motorized revolving platform from the picturetaken. A principal feature of the present invention is the means forchanging the scene comprising a multi-colored backlight system 29M, arear screen projection system 29N, and a white backdrop system 29O. Theunit's communication system is contained in the VPR equipment bay 29Iallows full-duplex communications with signals being conveyed throughthe system antenna 29A or by some other means. The unit also allows wideadjustability of components, the pan, tilt, and zoom cameras 29D areadjustable in elevation by moving the cameras mounting slide along theadjustable camera racks w/conduit 29G.

FIG. 14 Illustrates Normal Distribution and Mark-Up, it shows the normalgoods, products or services distribution chain and shows how the cost ofsaid goods, products or services increase as they move through thedistribution chain from manufacturer to Regional Distribution who addmark-up on to the retailer who add additional mark-up prior to sale tothe consumer/merchant purchaser who pays a considerable amount more thanfor the item than if purchased directly from manufacturer.

FIG. 15 Illustrates Individual Internet Purchasing and DistributionCycle of the present invention. It shows the home purchaser 11 in atransaction with manufacturers or regional distributor and directpurchasing using the proprietary technology of the present invention,which is in effect group purchasing yet purchasing as an individual andobtaining volume purchasing prices and benefits while doing so. Thesetransactions will provide high quality goods, products or services thatare conveniently organized into departments by brand and category suchas food products and services, housing products and services, apparelproducts and services, transportation products and services, health careproducts and services, insurance products and services, entertainmentand recreation products and services. While the illustration is notactually showing all of the novel items and means brought forth in thisinvention on this illustration, it is hereby noted that these items areused separately or together for the real-time interactive purchasingtransactions to include volume purchasing, or excess inventorypurchasing or excess capacity purchasing of goods, products or services.

FIG. 16 Illustrates Commercial Purchaser Internet Purchasing andDistribution Cycle of the present invention. It shows the commercialpurchaser 18 in a transaction with manufacturers or regional distributorand direct purchasing using the proprietary technology of the presentinvention, which is in effect group purchasing yet purchasing as anindividual and obtaining volume purchasing prices and benefits whiledoing so. These transactions will provide high quality goods, productsor services that are conveniently organized into departments by brandand category such as food products and services, housing products andservices, apparel products and services, transportation products andservices, health care products and services, insurance products andservices, entertainment and recreation products and services. While theillustration is not actually showing all of the novel items and meansbrought forth in this invention on this illustration, it is hereby notedthat these items are used separately or together for the real-timeinteractive purchasing transactions to include volume purchasing, orexcess inventory purchasing or excess capacity purchasing of goods,products or services.

FIG. 17 Illustrates How Mark-Up is Eliminated and Rebates Added—andshows the cumulative affect of using the online real-time interactiveordering and re-ordering Volume Purchasing Rebate Investing technologyof the present invention for purchasing transactions. It further showsthe eliminations of most mark-up and obtaining rebates, which wouldnormally be this mark-up, and the placing of said rebates into thepurchasers investment account.

FIG. 18 Illustrates Over-The-Counter Purchasing and Rebates and showsthe cumulative affect of using the real-time interactiveover-the-counter Volume Purchasing Rebate Investing technology of thepresent invention for purchasing transactions. It further shows apurchaser making over-the-counter Volume Purchasing transactions of alltypes goods, products or services and obtaining rebates which are placedinto the purchasers investment account.

Purchasing

The Invention encompasses technology that will greatly facilitate thesale of goods and services while providing customers with a means topainlessly fund their Individual Retirement Accounts. The presentinvention will facilitate the offering of tens of thousands of productsfrom several hundred manufacturers through online stores on theInternet, through [Over-The-Counter Purchase] Over-The-Counter VolumePurchase with local merchants and contractors and through Real-timeInteractive purchases with merchants and wholesalers around the world.The Invention provides an online shopping experience that incorporatestraditional shopping mall and mail order features into an interactive,easy-to-use and compelling online environment. Online technology, andthe Internet in particular, is an advantageous medium for the selling ofmerchandise relative to traditional retail stores and mail-ordercatalogs. Leveraging online technology and the global reach of theInternet, the online retailing and wholesaling model of the presentinvention provides virtually unlimited online shelf space and theability to reach a geographically unlimited customer base, without thecosts associated with constructing traditional retail stores anddistributing mail-order catalogs. The Invention's strategy is to offerquality merchandise, provide effective customer service, and capitalizeon the inherent economies of the online retailing model by allowing thepurchaser to purchase excess inventory and excess capacity frommerchants and vendors of all types.

The Invention provides for transacting with merchant in online storesover the Internet or by over-the-counter stores in malls or othervenues. The Invention's online stores will provide high quality colorvideo camera images and detailed information relating to products orservices that are conveniently organized into departments by brand andcategory such as food products and services, housing products andservices, apparel products and services, transportation products andservices, health care products and services, insurance products andservices, entertainment and recreation products and services.

Shoppers can search for, browse and select products throughout thestores and place selected merchandise in virtual shopping carts thatfacilitates the process of collecting items, subtotaling purchases andreaching the purchase decision. Furthermore, The Invention willestablish strategic relationships with manufacturers, which allow mostproducts to be rapidly shipped directly from the manufacturer.Manufacturer direct shipping enables the VPR Organization by way of theCertified Purchasing Planner to assist merchants in avoidinginventory-related risks; limit overhead costs and provides promptdelivery. As part of its marketing strategy, the VPR Organization usingthe Certified Purchasing Planner will form strategic alliance with localmerchants and contractors pursuant to a marketing agreement. Inaddition, the Certified Purchasing Planner plans to establish strategicalliances with other online companies and begin a targeted advertisingcampaign to attract additional customers to the its online stores. It isbelieved that both online and traditional media exposure are critical tomaximizing brand recognition and driving traffic to its online stores.

Products

The present invention's brick and mortar stores or store on the Internetwill offer tens of thousands of products from several hundredmanufacturers. Products or services range widely in price Internetproducts or services will be featured with a high quality color pictureand detailed information relating to product or service specifics,service care or purchasing instructions. The present invention's storeon the Internet is designed to accommodate the needs of both the browserand the directed shopper. The browser can view an array of products orservices by simply clicking on one of the feature departments or servicecategories. The directed shopper is able to quickly locate a specificproduct or service by category or brand by using the store's searchfunction or store directory. By clicking on the picture of a product orservice, the customer is presented with detailed information relating toproduct or service specifics, service, care or purchasing instructions.

The present invention seeks to provide a compelling shopping environmentthat will attract customers and encourage shoppers to purchase. Thepresent invention intends to add sound and video features to itsInternet store that will guide shoppers through the store and announcespecial offers. The present invention also aims to make the shoppingexperience as simple and convenient as possible. The present inventionfeatures a virtual shopping bag function that allows the shopper toaccumulate merchandise for purchase while browsing through the store.Items can be added to or subtracted from the shopping cart at any time.As a registered member, the customer is able to retain items in theshopping cart indefinitely, even after leaving the store or logging-off.After selecting an item to purchase, the customer is prompted tocomplete an order. In choosing a payment method when placing an order,customers have the option of securely submitting credit card informationonline or telephoning or faxing the information to customer servicerepresentatives. The present invention also provides the option ofpayment by check or money order. The present invention sends e-mailnotifications that confirm the order and shipment and promote specialoffers and events.

Worldwide Shopping and Buying can be accomplished whereby the VPROrganization will acquire or affiliate with all types of stores, shops,and other of establishments from around the world. The VPR Organizationwill use these stores, shops, and establishments as CybershowRooms etc.,and ship goods to customers from more centralized warehouses etc.

[The Purchasing Facilitation System (PFS)] The Volume Purchase Rebate(VPR) Appliance is a powerful modular assembly comprising microprocessorand other devices that greatly increases the efficiency of thepurchasing process and includes sub-circuits, relays other devices,sub-systems and components that compress and decompress bandwidth andconnects to POTS, and wide bandwidth wireless, DSL, Fiber Optic, Cable,Satellite or any other signal conveying means. The VPR Appliance thenallows the transmission and reception of real-time digital, optical,analog or any other type of data, video and audio signals or informationto better facilitate the buying and selling of goods and services andenhancing the safety and security of buyers and sellers.

The present invention will interface with emerging technologies and newdevelopments in web technologies with the objective of optimizingcustomer interfaces, web site features and operational systems.Technologies including systems that will enrich the online shoppingexperience and deliver more effective marketing messages, to providecustomized services to shoppers in stores on the Internet. The presentinvention also encompasses methods to improve bandwidth technology thatmakes Online purchasing a more real time video experience for both,buyer and seller.

High quality data sensors, of varying type, are used to detect productinformation such as bar codes and other data. The sensors sense the databy various means such as optical scan, proximity, wigant, and processedand pre-amplifies the signal in the data processing circuit, from there,the data is then carried to data transmission components and. over thewires or by other means to the central processing unit located in theVolume Purchase Rebate System. There the data is further transmitted byradio wave, by satellite communications, by cellular telephone, or byregular telephone lines or by other means of communications to the VPRComputer. There, it is received and processed by and appropriate volumepurchasing is effected.

The Product Opening and Unsealing Station consists of opening means anddata sensing means. As a can rotates as it is being opened, the datasensor automatically reads the bar-code data; this data is automaticallyconveyed to the processing unit where it is stored in memory to becompiled and accessed as needed. As this data is accumulated, it formsthe basis for future re-ordering of products.

The Product and Services Ordering and Re-Ordering System interfaces withthe VPR Appliance or On-site Computer, these devices combined, are thefirst devices developed from the ground up to aid owners and managers ofsmall to medium sized residential and commercial buildings coordinateand better manage their purchasing of products and services to includevarious consumer goods and services to include security, fire and carbonmonoxide monitorings, telecommunications, natural gas, electricity,water, HVAC, and other energy conservation, building safety andmaintenance operations. The VPR Appliance or On-site Computer meters,monitors and controls all of the building systems relating to theseoperations and uses powerful software to integrate all systemsinformation into a single server database located at local, area orregional VPR Computers.

The deregulation of utilities has brought about a need to change andimproving the means, methods for managing utilities and protecting theinhabitants of buildings in urban areas. The system allows inhabitantsto save on utilities and security while enjoying the comfort and safetyof their buildings. The system combines into one device a method andapparatus to remotely monitor, control and manage the environment ofbuildings and to detect fire, smoke and intrusion; to measure fuel oil,water, natural gas and electricity; to remotely control the operation offurnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, lights, appliances andhot water heaters; to prevent foul odors and clogging of plumbing pipesand the flooding of these buildings due to the building of grease,gelatin and other waste in these plumbing pipes to clog.

The VPR Appliance or On-site Computer also includes systems to monitorpurchasing peaks and valleys during the year to facilitate thepurchasing and selling of excess inventory and capacity.

[On Line Systems Technology] Purchasing Agent Sub-System;

Comprises said the VPR Organization and the Certified Purchasing Planner(CPP) who are the purchasers' personal volume purchasing purchasingagent and assists purchasers in obtaining all volume purchasing benefitsand in doing so, they use the sophisticated information servicesdelivery and shopper tracking systems by integrating third-partysystems. These information systems can be viewed as the integratedsystems: (i) a publishing system, (ii) a selling system and (iii) CCTVSystem (iv) and order processing system, all of which are supported byRelational Databases and other software in the VPR appliances and VPRHub Computers.

Publishing Data Module. The publishing system contains information aboutall items in the present invention's stores that have been offered forVPR type purchasing, including retail price, cost, rebates, color andsize characteristics, group information and all manufacturer relatedinformation. Once the manufacturers have offered their products to thepresent invention, the data sets are published (downloaded) to thepresent invention's purchasers, both online and over-the-counter.

Seller Data Module. The present invention's Purchasing Agent systemfunctions with merchants of brick and mortar stores as well as merchantsof stores on the Internet, and are designed to give customers aconvenient and efficient means to effect their volume purchases. It willuse copyrighted software and proprietary Internet web servers to handlethe volume purchasing transactional events, queries and updates to theSQL Server database. The Purchasing Agent system software is alsodesigned to give customer service representatives, who are the CertifiedPurchasing Planners (CPP's) of the present invention, instant access toall merchant goods, products and services information, to automaticallyupdate all changes to merchants and inform the merchant of sales statusby automated e-mail communications. The CPP will also use the sellingsystem to assist customers with their volume purchasing efforts byinforming them of all opportunities in their respective areas. The CPPwill also use the Purchasing Agent system to assist customers inincreasing their rebates by also keeping them informed of opportunitiesin their areas. All transactions are secured by using the encryptionmeans of the VPR Appliance or On-site Computer

Ordering Data Module. The present invention 's Purchasing Agent orderingsystem retrieves ordering information from selling systems, validatesVPR credit cards, processes the orders, creates and issues purchaseorders to merchants and manufacturers and handles all post-salemarketing efforts. The ordering system also allows for orders to betaken over the telephone. The ordering system software is also designedto give customer service representatives, who are the [customer servicerepresentatives] Certified Purchasing Planners (CPP's) of the presentinvention, instant access to all customer information, to automaticallyupdate all changes to a customer's order and inform the customer oforder status by automated e-mail communications.

The CPP will also use the ordering system to assist customers with theirvolume purchasing efforts by also keeping them informed of opportunitiesin their areas. The CPP will also use the ordering system to assistcustomers in increasing their rebates by also keeping them informed ofopportunities in their areas. The CPP's and marketing departments canaccess customer profile information to search and analyze customerdemographics and buying patterns in order to suggest new programs andoffers to customers. The system will also communicate with the merchantsor warehousing facilities in real time for updates on order shipmentsand stock status positions.

CyberShowRoom

This segment of the present invention interfaces with the VPR Applianceor On-site Computer and relates generally to closed-circuit televisionpurchasing systems and pertains more particularly to such systems inwhich a television camera is mounted on a carriage for movement along arail or track and in which the system is subject to automatic control bya computer or the like.

It is known to provide closed circuit television purchasing systemsusing either cameras in a fixed location or cameras that are mounted formovement along a track, dome or stand It is also known, in the case of asystem using a fixed-position camera, to provide automatic acquisitionof a product object in response to an command signal or the like.Assuming that data has previously been stored in the control system toindicate the required direction of view and appropriate zoom and/orfocus condition for the camera to provide an image of the product, thecontrol system can implement an immediate adjustment to the cameradirection, zoom condition, etc. so that an image of the product isprovided by the camera within a very short time.

However, when the system utilizes a moving camera, such as a cameramounted on a carriage that travels along a rail, the camera may belocated at any arbitrary position in its range of movement at the time acommand is received. Since the camera location at the time of thecommand cannot be known in advance, it is not possible to store inadvance data defining a particular direction and zoom condition of thecamera, which will enable the camera to provide an image of the productfrom the position of the camera at the time of the command.

The present invention also includes methods of simulating the motion ofreal-time shopping through the use of pan, tilt and zoom cameras, whichenhance product presentation through motion etc. In the case of anoperator-attended purchasing system, the human operator may attempt torespond to the command signal by operating system controls to repositionthe camera carriage and to adjust the camera direction, etc. so that animage of the product is obtained. However, the variety of possiblecamera positions and directions-of-view may lead to disorientation onthe part of the operator. Also, if the system is set up with multipleproducts for which commands may be actuated, the operator may havedifficulty identifying the particular product to which the commandpertains. As a result, the human operator's response to the command maybe too slow, thus causing the operator to become frustrated.

While it might be proposed to define a predetermined position along thetrack to which the camera should be moved in response to an commandwhich pertains to a particular product, and then an appropriatedirection of view and zoom condition data could also be stored forproviding an image of the product from that predetermined position, suchan approach carries the disadvantage that a significant amount of timemay be required to move the carriage to the predetermined position fromthe position of the carriage at the time the command is received. Evenif automatic camera direction and zoom adjustments are performed beforeor during carriage movement so that the camera will be in an appropriateorientation and zoom condition to provide the image of the product assoon as the predetermined carriage position is reached, still productacquisition cannot take place during the time the carriage is in motion,and product acquisition thus may be substantially delayed.

The present invention also includes means and methods wherebyshoppers/buyers virtually shop at regional as well as internationalestablishments without leaving the comfort of their homes andbusinesses. However, purchased products are pre-positioned at strategiclocations to speed up delivery to the purchaser etc.

CyberShowCase

This segment of the present invention interfaces with the VPR Applianceor On-site Computer and relates to a new and improved merchant'sCyberShowCase which has for its principal purpose to provide a movingand adjustable CCTV system for motorized revolving platform and hangersystems on which the product to be pictured rests and also for amulti-colored backdrop system which is positioned behind the product inthe line of sight of the camera. The multi-colored backdrop ispreferably illuminated from behind with rear view projection or from thefront with either a white light or a light having appropriate colorfilter. The projectioned or multi-colored backdrop provides a widevariety of scenes as background for the product being photographed.

The present invention encompasses means and methods of giving thepresented product motion through the use of pan-tilt-zoom cameras andmoving platforms and racks located in the CyberShowCase. Not only dothese devices provide motion, but they also present multiple viewingangles to make product presentation more appealing.

The CyberShowCase may be used either as a stationary or mobile showcase.Accordingly, it is a principal product of the present invention toprovide an equipment bay on wheels, which contains the equipment andsystems to facilitate CCTV production.

Another feature of the present invention is the fact it is readilytransportable, easily adjustable in many different positions andadaptable to a wide variety of conditions to photography products.

CyberSalesperson

The present invention encompasses means and methods of simulating theshopper actually being in the showroom with the CyberSalesPerson showingthe product. The Buyers Sub-System includes a product opening/unsealingstation with a ordering sub-system with a barcode type reader, and a RFtype reader, a camera system with microphone and video display monitorinterfaced with the VPR Appliance or On-site Computer that communicatesby wireless, online or otherwise with the Seller Sub-System (whichincludes various cameras such as; a finger bracket camera, eyeglass,cap, beeper etc. covert cameras and various other camera systems whichare mounted on tripods or any other type stand or mount). TheCyberSalesPerson is also equipped with a R/T capable Headset that has amicrophone, earphones and mini-radio unit w/antenna.

The CyberSalesPerson is equipped with the means to effectivelycommunicate (audio and video) online real-time with the shopper (retailcustomer) or buyer (wholesale customer) being serviced. These systemsinterface with the VPR Appliance or On-site Computer or theCyberShowcase or CyberShowroom.

1. A system for purchasing merchandise, while real-time interactivelydirect ordering or reordering by a plurality of purchasers, who arepurchasing individually or purchasing individually, yet in fact grouppurchasing, and for arranging rebates or group purchase rebates paidinto retirement accounts, the system comprising: (a) one or morepurchasing cards, said purchasing cards identifying buyers, andfinancial institutions and one or more card readers; (b) at least onebuyer Purchase Appliance or buyer on-site computer system comprising oneor more servers, one or more recording system modules, one or more alarmmodules, one or more metering modules, one or more microprocessors, oneor more universal barcode ROM microprocessor systems modules, one ormore control/relay modules, one or more microprocessor buses, one ormore computer/server buses, one or more control/relay buses, one or morepower buses, and one or more auxiliary batteries; (c) one or morepurchasing agent ordering sub-systems; (d) one or more communicationmeans by which said at least one buyer Purchase Appliance or on-sitecomputer communicates with one or more seller Purchase Appliances; (e)at least one seller Purchase Appliance or seller on-site computer systemin communication with said at least one sensor, said seller PurchaseAppliance or seller on-site computer system comprising one or morecameras, said seller Purchase Appliance or seller on-site computerfurther comprising means for receiving signals for the purchase of goodsor services, said signals being received from at least one sensor; (f)at least one Purchase hub computer comprising at least one databasemodule or at least one relational database module or at least onelook-up module; (g) said at least one seller Purchase Appliance orseller on-site computer system being in communication with at least oneremote product demonstration sub-system, or one or more sellershowrooms, or one or more seller tradeshow booths; and (h) said at leastone remote product demonstration sub-system, seller showroom, or sellertradeshow booths containing or communicating with at least onemerchandise display sub-system which allows real-time interactive remoteviewing of physical merchandise, enabling at least one buyer tocommunicate with said at least one remote product demonstrationsub-system, or one or more seller showrooms, or one or more sellertradeshow booths via said at least one seller Purchase Appliance orseller on-site computer, to view physical merchandise, enhancing saidbuyer's view of said physical merchandise by using said at least oneseller Purchase Appliance or on-site computer to interactively move saidphysical merchandise; and (i) said at least one merchandise displaysub-system comprising at least one of a motorized revolving hanger rackor a motorized revolving platform, said physical merchandise beingsuspended from the motorized hanger rack or being located upon saidmotorized revolving platform, and said at least one merchandise displaysub-system enabling the buyer to move said physical merchandise byremotely controlling said at least one of a motorized revolving hangerrack or a motorized revolving platform; (j) whereby the one or morepurchasing cards identifying buyers are credit, debit, or other fundstransfer cards, by which funds are transferred from buyers' credit ordebit accounts to sellers' accounts in payment for goods or servicesbought by buyers, and whereby a portion of said funds transferred from abuyer's credit or debit account when a purchase is made by that buyerare transferred to a second account of said buyer, said second accountbeing an account for the benefit of said buyer in retirement.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, the system being in communication with one or morefinancial institutions, comprising: one or more credit unions, one ormore seller banks, or one or more purchaser account financialinstitutions.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least onepurchasing agent ordering subsystem comprises at least one means forarranging volume purchasing transactions by buyers, at least onePurchase hub computer, at least one means for arranging volumepurchasing transactions by agents known as certified purchasingplanners, or at least one certified purchasing planner computer.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein at least one Purchase hub computer is aVolume Purchase Rebate Investing Computer and comprises: at leastorganization module, at least one membership module, at least one brokermodule, at least one merchant module, at least one meter consumptionmodule for goods and products, at least one monitoring alarm module forservices, at least one control module, at least one purchasing module,at least one volume purchasing module, at least one excess inventorypurchasing module, at least one excess capacity purchasing module, atleast one rebate module, at least one saving account module, and atleast one investing account module.
 5. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid at least one buyer can also enhance said buyer's view of saidphysical merchandise by controlling the position of one or more camerasthrough which said physical merchandise is viewed.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more cameras comprised in said sellerPurchase Appliance or seller on-site computer comprise at least one of afinger bracket camera, a cap camera, a covert camera, or a cameramounted on a tripod.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least onebuyer Purchase Appliance or buyer on-site computer system communicateswith said at least one said seller Purchase Appliance which is a sellerVolume Purchase Rebate Investing Appliance or seller on-site computer bymeans of at least one of a direct wire, infrared signal transmission,optical signal transmission, or laser signal transmission.
 8. The systemof claim 1, wherein said at least one buyer Purchase Appliance or buyeron-site computer system is located in a buyer's home;
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said buyer Purchase Appliance is a buyer VolumePurchase Rebate Investing Appliance; whereby the buyer receives VolumePurchase Rebate Investing information on Volume purchases of merchandiseand/or services;
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said second accountof said buyer comprises at least one financial investment instrument,and said second account of said buyer comprises at least one IRAaccount.
 11. A system for implementing the individual purchase or volumepurchase of merchandise, and for causing rebates to be credited to aretirement account of a buyer, the system comprising: (a) at least onereal-time interactive show-room containing interactive online videoand/or audio capturing, processing, or recording means, merchandisedisplaying means, camera mounting or transversing means, communications,and purchasing facilitation means; (b) at least one merchandise displaycase whereon merchandise is placed for real. time interactive onlineviewing of said merchandise; (c) said at least one merchandise displaycase further comprising at least one camera, and means for dial-upreal-time interactive viewing; (d) means for lighting said at least onemerchandise display case; (e) means for changing a scene presented toremote viewers of said merchandise; (f) means for enabling a remotebuyer to interactively move said merchandise placed on said displaycase, enabling said remote buyer to vary or improve said remote buyer'sview of said merchandise; and (g) means for a remote buyer to transferfunds to a seller of said merchandise, in payment for purchase of saidmerchandise by the remote buyer, or in payment for purchase of othermerchandise, or in payment for purchase of services; (h) wherein aportion of said payment is rebated to an account of said buyer, saidaccount being an account for the benefit of said buyer in retirement.12. The system of claim 11, wherein said at least one real-timeinteractive show-room contains a closed circuit television purchasingsystem or elements thereof, the closed circuit television purchasingsystem including means for enabling cameras mounted on a track, in adome, or on a stand, to pan, tilt, or zoom, signals from the camerasbeing processed or digitally recorded, thereby allowing real-timeinteractive online viewing of said at least one real-time interactiveshow-room.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein said at least onemerchandise display case comprises track-mounted pan, tilt, or zoomcameras, or lights.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein said at leastone real-time interactive show-room further comprises track-mounted pan,tilt, or zoom cameras, glass counters or show cases, system transmissionor reception means, or at least one Purchase Appliance for controlpurposes, or for dial-up real-time interactive viewing purposes andmeans for lighting said at least one merchandise display case and/orsaid means for changing a scene presented to remote viewers of saidmerchandise, comprise one or more of: track lights, multi-coloredbacklights, a white back-drop, or a rear view projection system andmeans for enabling a remote buyer to interactively move said merchandisecomprises: motorized rotating product hanger racks or motorized rotatingproduct platforms;
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein said buyerPurchase Appliance is a buyer Volume Purchase Rebate InvestingAppliance; whereby the buyer receives Volume Purchase Rebate Investinginformation on Volume purchases of merchandise and/or services and saidaccount for the benefit of said buyer in retirement comprises at leastone financial investment instrument, and said account for the benefit ofsaid buyer in retirement comprises at least one IRA account.
 16. Amethod for purchasing of goods, products or services, by one or aplurality of buyers, who are purchasing individually or purchasingindividually, yet in fact group purchasing, and for arranging rebates orgroup purchase rebates paid into retirement accounts and credited to thebuyer or buyers, the method comprising: (a) inputting one or morepurchasing cards into at least one card reader; (b) operating at leastone buyer Purchase Appliance or buyer on-site computer comprising one ormore servers, one or more recording system modules, one or more alarmmodules, one or more metering modules, one or more microprocessors, oneor more universal barcode ROM microprocessor systems modules, one ormore control relay modules, one or more microprocessor buses, one ormore computer/server buses, one or more control/relay buses, one or morepower buses, and one or more auxiliary batteries; (c) operating at leastone purchasing agent sub-system; (d) said at least one buyer PurchaseAppliance or on-site computer communicating with one or more sellerPurchase Appliances; (e) operating at least one seller PurchaseAppliance or on-site computer system in communication with said at leastone sensor, said seller Purchase Appliance or on-site computercomprising one or more cameras, said seller Purchase Appliance oron-site computer receiving from at least one sensor signals for thepurchase of goods or services; (f) viewing physical merchandise remotelyand interactively by at least one buyer, said buyer using said at leastone sensor to communicate with at least one remote product demonstrationmodule via said at least one Purchase Appliance or on-site computer; and(g) interactively moving, by at least one buyer, said physicalmerchandise, the moving of said physical merchandise being accomplishedby remotely controlling at least one of a motorized revolving hangerrack or a motorized revolving platform, said physical merchandise beingsuspended from the motorized hanger rack or being located upon saidmotorized revolving platform; (h) ordering said physical merchandise, orother physical merchandise, or services, by at least one buyer; (i)transferring payment for merchandise or services from a first account ofa buyer to an account of the seller of said merchandise or services; and(j) transferring a portion of said payment to a second account of saidbuyer, said second account being an account for the benefit of saidbuyer in retirement.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprisingprocessing of said one or more purchasing cards, wherein said processingcomprises: (a) processing smart cards, debit cards, or other paymentcards for payment transactions or rebate transactions or investmenttransactions at a credit union; or (b) processing smart cards, debitcards, or other payment cards for payment transactions or rebatetransactions or investment transactions at a seller's bank; or (c)processing smart cards, debit cards, or other payment cards for paymenttransactions or rebate transactions or investment transactions at anyother financial institution.
 18. The method of claim 16, whereinoperating at least one sensor detects or collects product information.19. The method of claim 16, wherein to effect purchase transactions,members of said purchasing agent sub-system communicate with at leastone buyer Purchase Appliance or buyer on_site computer, or at least oneseller Purchase Appliance or seller on_site computer, or at least onePurchase hub computer, or at least one agent known as a certifiedpurchasing planner, with at least one certified purchasing plannercomputer and further comprising automatically replenishing a stock ofgoods or products, wherein automatically replenishing a stock of goodsor products comprises at least one seller Purchase Appliance or selleron-site computer communicating with said at least one sensor, said atleast one seller Purchase Appliance or seller on-site computer receivingsignals for the purchase of goods or services, said signals beingreceived from at least one remote ordering subsystem.
 20. The method ofclaim 16, wherein real-time viewing of merchandise is carried out bysaid at least one seller Purchase Appliance or seller on-site computercommunicating with at least one remote product demonstration module, orat least one seller's subsystem, said least one remote productdemonstration module or at least one seller's subsystem being containedin at least one seller showroom, or at least one seller tradeshow boothand said at least one shopper also enhancing said at least one shopper'sview of said physical merchandise by controlling the position of one ormore cameras through which said physical merchandise is viewed.
 21. Themethod of claim 16, wherein interactive viewing of merchandise comprisesa shopper viewing merchandise images obtained by at least one of afinger bracket camera, a cap camera, a covert camera, or a cameramounted on a tripod, said camera of whichever type being in physicalproximity to the physical merchandise being viewed.
 22. The method ofclaim 16, wherein said at least one sensor communicates with said atleast one said seller Purchase Appliance or seller on-site computer bymeans of at least one of a direct wire, infrared signal transmission,optical signal transmission, or laser signal transmission and said atleast one sensor is located or operated in a buyer's home and furthercomprising remotely operating a closed circuit television purchasingsystem including operating enabled cameras mounted on a track, in adome, or on a stand, to pan, tilt; or zoom, signals from the camerasbeing processed or digitally recorded, thereby allowing real-timeinteractive online viewing of at least one real-time interactiveshow-room.
 23. The method of claim 16, wherein said buyer PurchaseAppliance is a is a buyer Volume Purchase Rebate Investing Appliance;whereby the method further comprising the buyer receiving VolumePurchase Rebate Investing information on Volume purchases of merchandiseand/or services and said second account of said buyer comprises at leastone financial investment instrument, to include a Roth IRA and saidsecond account of said buyer comprises at least one IRA account